Pathological findings in eyes with the ganciclovir implant.

Objective: To examine the pathologic findings of eyes treated with ganciclovir implants.

Design: Retrospective consecutive case series.

Participants: Thirty-three eyes from 19 AIDS patients with ganciclovir implants.

A photopolymerized sealant for corneal lacerations.

Purpose: To determine whether a novel photocrosslinkable polymer synthesized from hyaluronic acid would seal experimental full-thickness corneal lacerations in a rabbit model.

Methods: A solution of hyaluronic acid was modified with methacrylate groups (HA-MA), precipitated, dried, reconstituted in an aqueous solution, and sterilized before use. The viscous polymer solution was applied to 38 of 43 experimental corneal lacerations in rabbits and subsequently irradiated with a low-intensity argon laser beam to produce a clear flexible polysaccharide hydrogel patch.

Antithrombotic effect of ticlopidine in an experimental model of retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose: Ticlopidine inhibits adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation and may be effective in patients with retinal vein occlusions (RVO). This study tests the efficacy of ticlopidine in an animal model of RVO.

Methods: Rose bengal-mediated argon laser photothrombosis of retinal veins was created in rabbits pretreated with oral ticlopidine, aspirin, or saline.

Photocrosslinkable polysaccharides for in situ hydrogel formation.

In situ photopolymerization is an exciting new technique for tissue engineering. Two photocrosslinkable polysaccharides composed of alginate and hyaluronan are described that upon photolysis form soft, flexible, and viscoelastic hydrogels. The degree of methacrylate modification and thus covalent affects mechanical properties such as swelling, compression, and creep compliance.

Sloughing of corneal epithelium and wound healing complications associated with laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.

Purpose: To report sloughing of corneal epithelium during laser in situ keratomileusis and subsequent wound healing complications in patients with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.

Methods: In a retrospective study, the surgical procedures, postoperative course, and visual acuities of 16 eyes of nine patients with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis complicated with epithelial sloughing at three centers were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 23 weeks (range, 4 to 52 weeks).